Open until January 2025!

A rapidly growing city built of wood. A summer-long heat wave. An exhausted and misdirected team of firefighters. Racial, social, and economic tensions bubbling just below the surface. All Chicago needed was a spark.

Upcoming Events and Programs

CHICAGO ØØ: 1871 Cyclorama

Immerse yourself in this extraordinary and historic 40-foot-wide oil painting that captures a 360° view of the Great Chicago Fire.

Reserve a time. See the exhibition.

The Chicago History Museum is located in Lincoln Park at 1601 North Clark Street at the intersection of North Avenue.

 

Exhibition Sponsors

The A. Montgomery Ward Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee


Education sponsor


Safer City sponsor


Established in part by the Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust and the Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust, the Exhibition Innovation Fund has provided additional funding for City on Fire: Chicago 1871.